01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Lid modeled with facial features that appear to represent a character wearing a bird mask. The surface is decorated with red and white paint over a brown slip, possibly alluding to facial painting patterns.

The facial features seem to combine human and avian elements, especially in the mouth, which suggests the shape of a beak. The ears, pierced on both sides, are depicted with rectangular flares, which may indicate the use of ornaments. This fusion of characteristics suggests a figure with supernatural or transformative attributes, possibly linked to ceremonial practices.

Period

CLASSIC (150/200 A.D.-900 A.D.)

Provenance

Guatemalan Highlands

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Incised, Modeled, Painting, Perforation, Slip

Dimensions

Height: 15 cm
Maximum width: 17 cm
Lid diameter: 13.5 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Exhibitions

1. “EFFIGY VESSELS: FACES AND FORMS”. Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (August 30, 2018 – February 24, 2019)

2. “THE WORLD TREE” (24th Paiz Art Biennial) within the “SELF-HYBRIDATIONS” exhibition by ORLAN. Spanish Cooperation Training Center, Antigua Guatemala (November 5, 2025 to February 15, 2026). General Curator: Eugenio Viola.

Publications